Watch: Matthews goal leads to Leafs tying series against Bruins

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during the third period in Game 2 of the first round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Auston Matthews goal leads to Maple Leafs tying series against Bruins

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Apr 22, 2024 10:56 PM ET

Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews' first goal of the 2024 postseason couldn't have come at a more perfect time.

AUSTON MATTHEWS GIVES THE LEAFS THE LEAD pic.twitter.com/PivFaNVZu0
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 23, 2024

The No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft scored the go-ahead goal in Toronto's 3-2 Game 2 win over the Bruins on Monday night to tie the series at one game apiece.

Matthews led the league in goals (69) this season. His goal against the Bruins came a week shy of the one-year anniversary of his last postseason goal, in Game 6 of Toronto's 2023 first-round series with the Lightning. He had gone six consecutive playoff games without recording a goal, which was tied for the longest streak of his career.

The two-time All-Star's imprint was all over Game 2 as he assisted on the Maple Leafs' other two goals. Toronto will need more performances like the one Matthews had on Monday if it wants to avoid another first-round exit.

He's reached the postseason in each of his first eight seasons in the league but only has made it to the second round once.

Game 3 in the series in Toronto on Wednesday night.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

More must-reads: